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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Cremone IM, Mucci F, Salerni A, Marazziti D, Carmassi C, Gesi C. Subthreshold Autism Spectrum in a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa and Behçet's Syndrome. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020. [PMID: 32607270 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6703979.pmid:32607270;pmcid:pmc7313151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, increasing research stressed the presence of subthreshold autistic traits in patients with other psychiatric conditions. In this framework, a significant relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and the autism spectrum has been frequently reported, in particular among female samples, to the point that AN has been hypothesized to be a female phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On the other hand, among subjects with ASD has been reported a higher prevalence of immune diseases and altered immune functions. While these reports seem to support an association between neurodevelopmental and immune system alterations in ASD, the relationship between the immune system and the broader autism spectrum, including its subthreshold manifestations, remains poorly investigated. In this report, we described the presence of autistic traits in a male inpatient with AN and separation anxiety disorder, who also show a diagnosis of Behçet's syndrome (BS). This case seems to further stress the association between AN and the autism spectrum, which may not be limited to the female gender. Moreover, it further suggests a deeper link between neurodevelopmental and immune system alterations. Implications are discussed in light of the more recent neurobiological and psychopathological hypothesis about the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Salerni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Muti D, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Diadema E, Gesi C, Carmassi C. Prevalence and characteristics of orthorexia nervosa in a sample of university students in Italy. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:55-65. [PMID: 29134507 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-017-0460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Orthorexia nervosa (ON) has been recently defined as a pathological approach to feeding related to healthiness concerns and purity of food and/or feeding habits. This condition recently showed an increasing prevalence particularly among young adults. In order to investigate the prevalence of ON and its relationship with gender and nutritional style among young adults, we explored a sample of students from the University of Pisa, Italy. METHODS Assessments included the ORTO-15 questionnaire and a socio-demographic and eating habits form. Subjects were dichotomized for eating habits (i.e. standard vs vegetarian/vegan diet), gender, parents' educational level, type of high school attended, BMI (low vs high vs normal BMI). Chi square tests were performed to compare rates of subjects with overthreshold ORTO-15 scores, and Student's unpaired t test to compare mean scores between groups. Two Classification tree analyses with CHAID growing method were employed to identify the variables best predicting ON and ORTO-15 total score. RESULTS more than one-third of the sample showed ON symptoms (ORTO-15 ≥ 35), with higher rates among females. Tree analyses showed diet type to predict ON and ORTO-15 total score more than gender. CONCLUSIONS Our results seem to corroborate recent data highlighting similarities between ON and anorexia nervosa (AN). We propose an interpretation of ON as a phenotype of AN in the broader context of Feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - D Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Diadema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Gesi C, Cremone IM, Corsi M, Massimetti E, Muti D, Calderani E, Castellini G, Luciano M, Ricca V, Carmassi C, Maj M. Subthreshold autism spectrum disorder in patients with eating disorders. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 81:66-72. [PMID: 29268154 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Increasingly data suggest a possible overlap between psychopathological manifestations of eating disorders (EDs) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms, by means of a recently validated instrument, in a sample of participants with EDs, particularly comparing participants with or without binge eating behaviours. METHODS 138 participants meeting DSM-5 criteria for EDs and 160 healthy control participants (HCs), were recruited at 3 Italian University Departments of Psychiatry and assessed by the SCID-5, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) and the Eating Disorders Inventory, version 2 (EDI-2). ED participants included: 46 with restrictive anorexia (AN-R); 24 with binge-purging type of Anorexia Nervosa (AN-BP); 34 with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and 34 with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The sample was split in two groups: participants with binge eating behaviours (BEB), in which were included participants with AN-BP, BN and BED, and participants with restrictive behaviours (AN-R). RESULTS participants with EDs showed significantly higher AdAS Spectrum total scores than HCs. Moreover, EDs participants showed significantly higher scores on all AdAS Spectrum domains with the exception of Non verbal communication and Hyper-Hypo reactivity to sensory input for AN-BP participants, and Childhood/Adolescence domain for AN-BP and BED participants. Participants with AN-R scored significantly higher than participants with BEB on the AdAS Spectrum total score, and on the Inflexibility and adherence to routine and Restricted interest/rumination AdAS Spectrum domain scores. Significant correlations emerged between the Interpersonal distrust EDI-2 sub-scale and the Non verbal communication and the Restricted interest and rumination AdAS Spectrum domains; as well as between the Social insecurity EDI-2 sub-scale and the Inflexibility and adherence to routine and Restricted interest and rumination domains in participants with EDs. CONCLUSIONS Our data corroborate the presence of higher subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms among ED participants with respect to HCs, with particularly higher levels among restrictive participants. Relevant correlations between subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms and EDI-2 Subscale also emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - B Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Corsi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - E Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - D Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - E Calderani
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - M Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
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Dell'Osso L, Gesi C, Massimetti E, Cremone IM, Barbuti M, Maccariello G, Moroni I, Barlati S, Castellini G, Luciano M, Bossini L, Rocchetti M, Signorelli M, Aguglia E, Fagiolini A, Politi P, Ricca V, Vita A, Carmassi C, Maj M. Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum): Validation of a questionnaire investigating subthreshold autism spectrum. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 73:61-83. [PMID: 27918948 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Increasing literature has shown the usefulness of a dimensional approach to autism. The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), a new questionnaire specifically tailored to assess subthreshold forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood. METHODS 102 adults endorsing at least one DSM-5 symptom criterion for ASD (ASDc), 143 adults diagnosed with a feeding and eating disorder (FED), and 160 subjects with no mental disorders (CTL), were recruited from 7 Italian University Departments of Psychiatry and administered the following: SCID-5, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale 14-item version (RAADS-14), and AdAS Spectrum. RESULTS The AdAS Spectrum demonstrated excellent internal consistency for the total score (Kuder-Richardson's coefficient=.964) as well as for five out of seven domains (all coefficients>.80) and sound test-retest reliability (ICC=.976). The total and domain AdAS Spectrum scores showed a moderate to strong (>.50) positive correlation with one another and with the AQ and RAADS-14 total scores. ASDc subjects reported significantly higher AdAS Spectrum total scores than both FED (p<.001) and CTL (p<.001), and significantly higher scores on the Childhood/adolescence, Verbal communication, Empathy, Inflexibility and adherence to routine, and Restricted interests and rumination domains (all p<.001) than FED, while on all domains compared to CTL. CTL displayed significantly lower total and domain scores than FED (all p<.001). A significant effect of gender emerged for the Hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory input domain, with women showing higher scores than men (p=.003). A Diagnosis* Gender interaction was also found for the Verbal communication (p=.019) and Empathy (p=.023) domains. When splitting the ASDc in subjects with one symptom criterion (ASD1) and those with a ASD, and the FED in subjects with no ASD symptom criteria (FED0) and those with one ASD symptom criterion (FED1), a gradient of severity in AdAS Spectrum scores from CTL subjects to ASD patients, across FED0, ASD1, FED1 was shown. CONCLUSIONS The AdAS Spectrum showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability and strong convergent validity with alternative dimensional measures of ASD. The questionnaire performed differently among the three diagnostic groups and enlightened some significant effects of gender in the expression of autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Barbuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Maccariello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Moroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - L Bossini
- Department of Mental Health and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Rocchetti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - E Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Fagiolini
- Department of Mental Health and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - M Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
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Carmassi C, Gesi C, Corsi M, Pergentini I, Cremone IM, Conversano C, Perugi G, Shear MK, Dell'Osso L. Adult separation anxiety differentiates patients with complicated grief and/or major depression and is related to lifetime mood spectrum symptoms. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 58:45-9. [PMID: 25595519 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing literature has been focused on complicated grief (CG) and its distinctiveness from other potentially loss related mental disorders such as major depression (MD). In this regard, symptoms of separation distress seem to play a key role. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features of CG to those of MD and of CG+MD, with particular attention to separation anxiety. METHODS Fifty patients with CG (26 with and 24 without MD) and 40 with MD were consecutively recruited. Assessments included: SCID-I/P, Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), Adult Separation Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (ASA-27), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), Mood Spectrum-Self Report (MOODS-SR)-lifetime version. RESULTS Patients with MD reported significantly higher ASA-27 scores than patients with CG either alone or with MD. In all groups, ASA-27 total scores were significantly correlated with the MOODS-SR total scores and with those of its depressive component and rhythmicity domain. No significant differences were reported in the WSAS scores. LIMITATIONS Major limitations are the small sample size and the use of lifetime instruments. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a correlation between adult separation anxiety symptoms and lifetime mood spectrum symptoms both in patients with CG and MD. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of adult separation anxiety in the development of these disorders and for their nosographic autonomy as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Corsi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Pergentini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Conversano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M K Shear
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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